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Customer reviews for Garmin Vivoactive 5 Smart Watch for
Garmin Vivoactive 5 Smart Watch
4.3 out of 5 stars
stars1,536 ratings1,527 reviews
  1. 5 stars64% (978)
  2. 4 stars18% (276)
  3. 3 stars9% (138)
  4. 2 stars4% (67)
  5. 1 star5% (77)

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Showing 811-820 of 1,527 reviews
Mar 2, 2024
Mich2024
3 out of 5 stars review

so far, okay

I made the transition from Apple Watches for the longer battery life. I have followed all the online forums and videos for getting longer battery life, but none are helping. The battery lasts 3-4 days with almost everything turned off and a basic watch face with no color. It lasts no where near 11 days.

Review from Garmin
Helpful?4E8OQ6OX5MLW15428802172
reply from Garmin Fitness

We are sorry to hear about the issue that you are having and would ask that you reach out to our team so that we can get the details from you and offer further assistance. Thank you for posting a review. Please reach out to our team at: product.support@garmin.com

Apr 26, 2025
AnnProctor
3 out of 5 stars review

Features were ok

Had issues navigating certain things with the watch but also couldn’t navigate back to where I was. Watch wouldn’t work. The system shut down. Watched video several times and that didn’t help either because what they suggested wouldn’t work on where I wanted to go on certain things. The system kept going back to where I didn’t want to go so I gave up. And shut the watch off and restarted it. And hoping that would fixed the issue but that did cortex the problem either. And the other issue I was trying to see about downloading for if u fell inside the house and it wouldn’t allow me to do this either. And if u loose the watch u we’re supposed to be able to get hold of finding your watch with your phone did not work either. But I did like the watch the color was beautiful. The buttons killed my fingers it bruised my fingers because of so many times of having to navigate the buttons to push because of having change certain changes on the watch. My fingers are very tender I would not recommend these watches for Elderly people especially if they have navigate the buttons all the time. I would recommend Garmin looking into making Watches for Elderly people a little easier to navigate there watches for us. Thanks

Review from Garmin
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Apr 15, 2024
boring rich
5 out of 5 stars review

Multifunctioning watch

I bought my Vivoactive 5 a few weeks ago. I've worn a watch my entire life, but not a "smartwatch". I've had GPS watches that I bought for exercising, but never used them as a day to day watch. I'm enjoying my purchase. The main reason I bought the watch was for running. The ability to download music and listen without carrying my phone combine with Garmin's top of the line GPS were important in my decision. I also realized this might replace my Garmin S42 golf watch. I've enjoyed the ease of changing watch face designs via the IQ app. I still haven't gone for a run or played golf with the new watch, but will explore both this week. So far, a versatile, economical watch with a lot of potential. I'm happy with my purchase.

Review from Garmin
Helpful?4E8OQ6OX5MLW15428802172
Feb 1, 2024
ddtman
5 out of 5 stars review

Tons of data

Bought this instead of Apple simply because of battery life. It has exceeded my expectations and love the many, many detailed facts received daily/ The only problem was the start up piece of paper sucked, no words just three pictures. Had to go online to find a manual. One error I made was downloading the Connect app before I received the watch and it just would not sync via bluetooth with my Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. Removed the app, reinstalled and it immediately synced withe phone. Have it about a month now and only have had to charge it three times. Definitely recommend this watc, have had a FitBit Charge, a Spade and Co. Charge 3 and this is way better and accurate.

Review from Garmin
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Apr 30, 2025
Mgmbaker
3 out of 5 stars review

Love the device - except the battery

I really do love the Garmin- this is my fourth Garmin. Unfortunately, the rechargeable battery and the special charging plug make for a problem. I'm never in the same place as the proprietary charger when it dies, so I walk around with a dead device on my wrist a fair anoint of time. Please - if this is supposed to be a seriously helpful tracker, put the long-lasting nicad back in the next round. Throwing away a tiny batt twice a year is better than having a device that works part time.

Review from Garmin
Helpful?4E8OQ6OX5MLW15428802172
Oct 21, 2024
Southpaw
2 out of 5 stars review

Disappointing for the features I was wanting most.

This watch seems to work well for activity tracking, calorie burn from activities tracked, and heart rate. But it is very inaccurate about sleep and also distances swam, the two main reasons I bought it. When I swam 1,100 yards, it said I did only 500. And for sleep, the other day I slept until 9 a.m, it said I woke up at 7 am - and those types of errors happen all the time with this watch. Research other brands if those things are important to you, this watch handles them very poorly.

Review from Garmin
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Dec 11, 2024
bigboy67401
5 out of 5 stars review

Former Versa 2 & Versa 3 owner

fitbit just ain't what it used to be (no thanks to Google). Since 2016, I had owned 4 fitbit devices and was ready for a change. I compared Garmin and Apple SmartWatches and after initially thinking a Garmin Venu SQ 2 was the way to go I finally decided on a VivoActive 5. Battery life was the deciding factor between Apple and Garmin. The Garmin Connect app seems to be much more functional than the fitbit ever was. The VA5 communicates with MyFitnessPal and Apple Health via Garmin Connect so all is good there as well. I like having actual buttons to start and stop an activity instead of relying on a touch screen. So far, I am quite pleased with my choice.

Review from Garmin
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May 20, 2024
Threse72
5 out of 5 stars review

Awesome Features!

I received this for a gift and couldn't be happier. I get all the information I need for my health and fitness. The information is accurate and up to date. I also like the round and easy to read size of the watch. The charge lasts longer, and when it needs charging, it's fast.

Review from Garmin
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Jan 9, 2025
Gadget-Lover Bruce
5 out of 5 stars review

Many Valuable Features to Enhance Your Life!

Everything from the many different intense activities I can elect to do (inside or outside) that the Garmin watch then tracks my performance on by looking at such things as heart rate or say, "stroke rate" for rowing with an indoor rowing machine to being able to be alerted to important messages from loved ones who text me and to whom I can respond with short messages when I cannot take the time to respond from my smartphone are all valuable features that I have come to depend on with my Garmin Vivoactive(R) 5. I just love it! ❤️

Review from Garmin
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Mar 5, 2024
hhcao
5 out of 5 stars review

Looks Great! Light & Accurate

Definitely was hesitant to switch from an (old) apple watch to garmin, but man, I'm so glad I did! The garmin is a classic. It's light weight, much more accurate and does everything I need it to do. The first time I ran in it, I thought, why did I have an apple for so long? I immediately noticed how light it was, did not bother me while I ran, and how accurate it was compared to the Apple Watch. It functions just like an Apple Watch, with notifications, sleep, etc. It's great and I definitely like the look much more (circle vs. square). Cost efficient and connects well with devices!

Review from Garmin
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